August 1, 2013

Patchwork Cushion - beginner sewing project 3

Can you tell how much I’m loving my birthday present! Last week
while best friend was away and Boomer and I were knocking around the house
together I had plenty of time to tackle my first patchwork-type project. This
is a big deal for me because there are two main reason I want to learn how to
sew 1) so I can make my own clothes and 2) so I can make a quilt. I think
handmade quilts are so pretty, and I love the idea of creating something that
is beautiful and functional.

But before I can learn how to make a quilt I need practice –
lots of practice – with picking fabric, cutting fabric, getting sizing right, matching
up corners and not to mention those straight lines which are definitely improving.
This is how this patchwork cushion came about – it uses a key step I’ll need
for quilting; cutting and sewing blocks to make a patchwork top.

I started the cushion by cutting out fabric squares, 4 in
each fabric, doing my best to keep everything straight [on that note I’m having some trouble getting
used to using the rotary cutter and healing mat and so far I’m finding an old
fashioned ruler, fabric pencil and scissors a lot easier ]. I sewed two squares
together and then pressed the seam flat. When I had a pile of 8 little
rectangles I sewed 2 rectangles together in a row so that each row had one
square of each fabric. Then I sewed the rows together. After pressing all the
seams flat I had my finished cushion top.

I decided to do an envelope type opening on this cushion
because I wanted to be able to wash it but I’m not quite ready to try a zipper
or buttons (soon though…I’ve bought a zipper for the next cushion). I wanted the
back to still look pretty, so I thought it would be nice to add a strip
of fabric along the envelope opening. I did this using the same tube technique
I used for the pillowcases but I remembered to take pictures this time. Basically
I laid the backing fabric and accent fabric edges together and then rolled up
the other end of the backing fabric into a tight roll and pulled the accent
fabric around the roll – bringing the 3 edges together (1 accent edge, 1 back
edge and the other accent edge) – then I sewed a seam along the length of the
edge. The backing fabric can now be pulled out of the tube.

I then seamed an edge along a second longer piece of backing
fabric and then pieced the 2 parts of the back on top of the front – right sides
together – and seamed all the edges. I turned it the right way around popped in
the pillow form and popped it on my bed.

The longest part was definitely piecing together the top but
it was also the bit I enjoyed the most. I had Netflix on in the background, Boomer
sleeping at my feet and a cup of tea beside me. Perfect.

Of course though Boomer couldn’t resist a little mischief when it came time to
take a photo of the finished cushion….

You've done well on your first patchwork sewing. Not sure if you used sissors to cut your squares or not however invest in 3 things which you will need for quilting. (i) rotary cutter (ii) mat for cutting on - this has one inch grids and angles drawn on it for easy cutting (iii) a large plastic patchwork ruler. Go to a specialist quilt shop and buy them or go and look at them and buy them from a cheaper retail outlet if they are too dear.

The rules are trim fabric on your right.
Cut the piece on your left.

What that means is when you have your fat quarter of fabric (patchwork talk) you have a piece in front of you and put your big clear ruler over the top of the fabric and trim or straighten up the edge. That could be just trimming a few mm's (or 1/4 inch) off the edge to get it straight.

Then flip it horizontal from right to left so your straightened edge is now on the left. Here you have your straight left line of fabric and say you are measuring 6 inches of fabric to be cut you trim it using your rotary cutter leaving your measured cut piece on the left.

I went to patchwork classes at a shop because they show you what to do (yes there is the internet) however it is a place to go to with your machine, have a coffee with like minded people sewing quilts or learning the basics. I always felt so good coming home from these classes. All women of course but I looked forward to it every week.

So get yourself those 3 items because you'll be able to cut layers of fabric in a jiffy with these items.

Also.. a big TIP to get all those fabrics meeting in the middle I pin them together. With normal sewing you just put right sides together and sew a seem. With sewing rows of little squares as one piece to rows of little squares as another single piece all the joins need to sit right. I always put a pin through the top piece then hold the fabric below a little bit apart so I can stab the centre where the seems meet with my pin so now you have two pieces with one pin through it exactly where they will meet and then place the pin horizontal so you can sew directly over it. If they aren't huge pins you shouldn't break a needle and/or just as you are about one stitch away from it pull it out (even better).

It's very hard to explain without seeing it in real life however you will get 100% accuracy on your sewing joins for very little trouble. Works like a charm.

PS>...one other thing you should invest in is a "walking foot" for your machine. A big pricey I think mine was $70 but again worth the investment for the miles of sewing you will be doing. The walking foot has a 1/4 inch line marking on it to so all you have to do is have the edge of the foot on the edge of the fabric and perfect seems for quilting.

Hope that helps it might be a bit confusing until you get to it. If you have any trouble let me know and I'll try and help. Invest in those 4 items and your quilting days will be a breeze. I know Elise Cripe didn't invest in a walking quilt however if you are going to do a double bed quilt I would personally recommend it. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

Thank you! Yea I might just be feeling brave enough to try a dress or skirt - maybe a maxi skirt because then I could wear it to work.....if I'm brave! Thanks for sharing the blog I'll check it out now :)

Kathy wow thank you so much! These tips are so helpful. I think there is a quilting class that I can take locally and I agree the internet is not substitute for actual tutition so I'll look into that. I didn't even know what a walking foot was so thank you again. I have a feeling I'll be dropping you and email before I start quilting for sure!